About

Our Impact

About the South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation

The South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation was established in 2013 by a group of passionate cattle producers and industry supporters. Their purpose was (and is) to facilitate generosity within the beef industry, provide educational opportunities, and build trust with consumers to secure the future of cattle ranching in South Dakota.

Our Mission:

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation facilitates the generosity of the beef industry to educate and build trust with the state’s consumers, ensuring the industry’s long-term viability.

Making an impact in SD

In May 2013, the Foundation partnered with Feeding South Dakota to create the signature Prime Time Gala fundraising event. This annual gala raises critical funds to support Feeding South Dakota's mission of providing beef to food-insecure families across the state. This event also promotes the nutritional benefits of beef consumption and the value of modern production practices, supporting the cattle industry as a whole.

Through the event, and other fundraising efforts, the Foundation is able to fund several key initiatives:

  • 1
    Fed Cattle Challenge Program

    that helps to develop the next generation of feed yard owners and managers in South Dakota by providing an opportunity for youth, ages 14 to 18, to learn about the science and economics of finishing cattle by participating in a cattle finishing program.

  • 2
    Scholarship Program

    that annually awards $15,000 to five students attending South Dakota schools interested in the improvement of beef production and promotion.

  • 3
    Educational programming

    and important resources needed for local agricultural non-profits and research opportunities.

Board of Directors

Meet the people who put in the work to make this organization possible.

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Ryan Eichler

President
Lake Preston, SD
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Todd Wilkinson

Vice President
DeSmet, SD
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Desa Larson

Treasurer
Columbia, SD
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Addie Graham-Kramer

Executive Director
Sioux Falls, SD
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Matt Bode

Director
Tea, SD
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Cory Eich

Director
Canova, SD
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Ty Eschenbaum

Director
Arlington, SD
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Brian Gilbert

Director
Dell Rapids, SD
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Jared Knock

Director
Carpenter, SD
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Roxanne Knock

Director
Tulare, SD
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Josh Larson

Director
Columbia, SD
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Donnie Leddy

Director
Stockholm, SD
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Tyler Melroe

Director
Britton, SD
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Troy Swanson

Director
Huron, SD
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Jean Wilkinson Memorial Branding Iron

The branding iron is an iconic piece of western heritage and a staple of the cattle industry. The iron is used to identify ownership and leaves an indelible mark where it is placed. Jean Wilkinson embodied the deep connection of the branding iron. As a founding member of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, Jean left a mark on everyone she came in contact with.

Her selfless and relentless pursuit to serve others was inspiring and a model for many.  Much like the material in which the iron is forged, Jean was a quiet kind of tough. Jean battled several health challenges for as many years as the foundation had been in existence, but always did so with the positivity and grace most of us could only hope to muster. Her faith and dedication to family and community is her legacy.  

Jean passed away in the spring of 2021. The mark she left imprinted on our hearts inspired the Cattlemen’s Foundation to memorialize the Branding Iron Award in her honor. It is awarded to someone connected to the beef industry who goes above and beyond in the service of others and who exemplifies the tireless effort of our beloved leader. Her memory will live forever.

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The recipients of the Branding Iron Award are:

  • 2018

    Jean Wilkinson

  • 2019

    Ryan Eichler

  • 2020

    Terry Heinle

  • 2021

    Matt Gassen

  • 2022

    Roxanne Knock
    Tyler Melroe

  • 2023

    Greg Ryken

  • 2024

    Brian Gilbert